The Detroit Lions will kick off voluntary organized team activities on May 28 and will be held through the 30 before a short break. They will return for their final three days of spring workouts on June 3, 4, and 5. Because they begin training camp earlier than usual and play in the Hall of Fame Game, the Lions will not have mandatory minicamp.
One position to keep an eye on during the spring is linebacker. Two of their top four players are coming off an injury; Derrick Barnes suffered a torn MCL and PCL in Week 3, and Malcolm Rodriguez tore his ACL in Week 13. Although Barnes is cleared, Rodriguez could be out until training camp.
On top of that, their top talent is skipping OTAs.
Detroit Lions star wants a new contract
Alex Anzalone is expected to skip voluntary organized team activities because he’s seeking a new contract. Anzalone enters the final year of his 3-year, $18.75 million contract extension, and he is scheduled to earn a $6 million base salary, $0 guaranteed remaining, and a $7.2 million cap hit in 2025. However, Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard isn’t concerned about him skipping spring practices because he isn’t expected to hold out during training camp.
Because of this, the Lions brought in a backup plan if all else fails.
Detroit Lions add experienced LB with 86 career starts
According to Ian Rapoport, the Lions have signed Zach Cunningham to a contract. Cunningham enters his ninth year in the NFL after spending time with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos. He has recorded 709 tackles, 31 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, one pick-six, 23 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles in 86 regular-season starts.
The #Lions have added some veteran LB depth, signing Zach Cunningham, source says. The long-time #Texans standout most recently played for the #Broncos and #Eagles. pic.twitter.com/XRWUHxNPsN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 27, 2025
Here’s a quick overview of his last two seasons
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Zach Cunningham to a one-year deal in August 2023. Cunningham took over as the starting linebacker, missing four of their final six regular-season games with a knee and hamstring injury, but returned for the Wild Card Round. He recorded 85 tackles, two TFLs, and four pass deflections in ten regular-season starts, along with nine tackles in the postseason.
The Denver Broncos signed Zach Cunningham to the practice squad in late September, and they later promoted him to the active roster in late November. Cunningham suited up for seven games but did not play much, only participating in 15 defensive and 41 special teams snaps. He recorded four tackles.
